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BBV-STI Glossary

The BBV/STI Multilingual Glossary is a resource for interpreters who work in health settings. It offers an extensive list of English terms related to sexual health and blood-borne viruses (such as hepatitis) translated into 10 languages, as well as definitions in simple English.

To search for the translation of an English term, first select a language from the list below, and click 'submit'. Then select a letter to view all terms beginning with that letter.

You can also download the glossary as a printed document. Click on the language name in the right-hand column to download a glossary.

Glossaries in Arabic, Chinese, French, Indonesian, Swahili, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese are available online and as print-friendly documents.

Glossaries in Amharic, Burmese, Hindi, Khmer and Tigrinya are only available as print-friendly documents. Click on the language name in the right-hand column to download a glossary.

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A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Pap smear

Cervical smear; a sample of cells is taken from the cervix (the opening of the uterus as the top of the vagina) to examine for abnormalities. Screening test for cervical cancer.

Partner notification

Follow-up of the partners of a patient infected with an STI.

PCP (Pneumocystis pneumonia)

An opportunistic infection of the lungs, most commonly seen in HIV/AIDS.

PCR (Polymerase chain reaction)

A laboratory technique that amplifies genetic material (DNA or RNA). In infectious diseases, PCR is used to detect the presence of an infection (including viruses, bacteria and other infections) and sometimes to monitor infections (e.g. viral load testing).

Peer support

The support of someone who has experienced the same illness or issue as the patient.

Penetrative sex

Putting an erect penis into a mouth, anus or vagina. Can also include putting a finger, tongue, another body part or an object into the vagina, anus or mouth.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Drug treatment used after exposure to an infection (in the workplace), to reduce the risk of becoming infected e.g. HIV, HBV.

Perinatal transmission

Transmission of infection from an infected mother to her baby - Also called vertical transmission. Perinatal transmission occurs during childbirth and breastfeeding.

Peripheral neuropathy

Loss of nerve sensation - usually in the feet or hands. Peripheral means nerves beyond the brain or spinal cord.

Pharmacist

A health professional who specialises in preparing and dispensing medications.

Pharmacotherapy

See opiate replacement therapy.

Physiotherapist

A health professional who specialises in helping a person with movement (may also be involved in helping with the movement of secretions from the lungs).

PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)

A general term meaning inflammation of the reproductive organs in a female - fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries - Can be caused by an STI.

Positive status

A person is infected by a virus and who has tested positive (e.g. HIV, HBV, HCV). For example, an HIV-positive person is infected with HIV and has had a positive HIV PCR or antibody test.

Pre-test counselling

Before an HIV or HCV test is done, the client should first be given pre-test counselling to discuss their risk of infection and the implications of a positive or negative test result. In post-test counselling, the client is given the test result and a discussion to start assisting them cope with the test result.

Prevention

Commonly means the prevention of a disease or infection (primary prevention).

Proctitis

Inflammation of the rectal mucosa.

Prophylaxis

Treatment given to prevent infection.

Protected sex

Vaginal, oral or anal sex with condom.

Psoriasis

A chronic inflammatory skin condition.

Psychiatrist

A doctor who specialises in the treatment of mental illness through counselling and medications.

Psychologist

A professional who specialised in the treatment of mental illness through counselling.

Psychosocial support

Support to help people to cope with the psychological and social problems that accompany serious and stigmatised diseases like HIV, AIDS or HCV infection. This may include counselling and the support of other people who have the same disease.

Pubic area

The lower abdomen and pelvic area near the genitals.

Pubic lice

An STI where body and pubic hair infested by lice (a type of tiny insect).

Printed glossaries

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The BBV/STI Multilingual Glossary is a joint project of the following individuals and agencies:
Suzanne Lau-Gooey
Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT)
Multicultural Health & Support Service
Hepatitis C Victoria, St Vincent's Health
HIV CALD Service - Alfred Health
Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society
Melbourne Health
Resourcing Health and Education in the Sex Industry (RhED)

Funding provided by the Department of Human Services, Victoria.

Multicultural Health & Support Service